Two Japanese Navy minesweepers dock in Manila for goodwill visit

Two Japanese Navy minesweepers arrived at Manila's South Harbor for a goodwill visit aimed at sustaining and enhancing the relationship between the Philippine Navy (PN) and the Japan Maritime Self Defense Force (JMSDF).

The PN vessel BRP Emilio Jacinto (PS35) on Saturday sailed out to sea to welcome
the minesweepers and escorted them to their anchorage area in an internationally observed naval tradition.

Japanese Ship (JS) Bungo (MST-464), an Uraga-class minesweeper tender, and JS Takashima (MSC) categorized as Hirashima-class coastal minesweeper were greeted by PN vessel as they sailed off the waters of Corregidor Island.

The Japanese vessels make up the JMSDF's Minesweeper Division III under the leadership of Captain Seiji Ikubo. 

The visiting Japanese crews were welcomed in a ceremony upon arrival at Pier 15 by the PN delegation, headed by Capt. Mederico Celso, the deputy commander of the Naval Combat Engineering Brigade.

This was followed by a briefing on the security and health aboard one of the Japanese ships. 

There would be a shipboard tour of the two visiting vessels, which is meant to foster knowledge and further mutual trust. A send-off ceremony with the customary Passing Exercise will end the visit. — Joahna Lei Casilao/DVM, GMA News